RF & Microwave
Switching Solution
Matt Del Margo
Application Engineer
Agenda
1.
RF & microwave switches
a)
Introduction
b)
Important Parameters
c)
Switch technology/type
d)
Why choose Keysight EM switches
2.
Keysight Switching Solution Platforms
3.
Typical application for Keysight new RF test accessories
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 2
RF & Microwave Test Accessories Product Portfolio
Switches
Attenuators
 Amplifier
 Adapters & Connectors
Attenuator/Switch Driver
 DC Block
 Detector
 Directional Bridge
 Directional Coupler
 Frequency Meter
 Impedance Matching Pad
 Power Divider
 Power Limiter
 Power Splitter
 Termination (Loads)
 Waveguide Accessories
 RF Probes
One-Stop Solution Center
Keysight provides the broadest range of RF & microwave test accessories up to 67 GHz
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 3
What is an “RF Switch"?
– A device that can open and close an RF path.
– A device that routes a high frequency signal through transmission paths.
– Incorporating a switch into a switch matrix system enables you to route signals from
multiple instruments to a single or multiple DUTs.
– Different switch configurations and usage:
Single-poledouble-throw
(SPDT)
Multiport Switches
(SPnT)
Transfer switches
(DPDT)
Bypass switches
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 4
Power Handling Capability of Switches
Hot versus Cold Switching
Hot switching: RF power is ON when switching is performed
For Keysight switches, hot switching spec is around 1- 2 W
Cold switching: RF power is OFF when switching is performed
Cold switching spec is higher compared to hot switching
Note: tested at 75 C
For more info, refer to Keysight literature
# 5989-6032EN
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 6
Switch Technologies Comparison
Mechanical
Solid State
PIN
FET
DC
MHz
KHz
< 1dB @ 40GHz
4dB @ 18GHz
6.5dB @ 18GHz
Switching speed
ms
ns
us
Power handling
+30dBm/1.0W (Hot)
+27dBm/0.5W
+27dBm/0.5W
Video leakage
None
High
Low
Harmonics
Low
High
High
> 5 million cycles
(High perf. models)
> 1 million cycles
(Lower cost models)
Infinite
infinite
Start Frequency
Insertion loss
Operating Life
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 7
Switch Types vs. Applications
 Electromechanical (EM) Switches
 Used in switch matrix systems for testing of telecommunication devices
 Low insertion loss is critical
 High power requirements
 Solid State Switches
 Used in ATE for high volume testing of RF semiconductor devices
 Fast switching speed is critical
 Infinite operating life
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 8
Choose your switch by: Switch Technology
Typical Application of Electromechanical (EM) Switch
Electromechanical switch applications
• Antennas
• Transceiver modules
• Low noise amplifiers (LNA)
• Receiver modules
Application requirements
• Good insertion loss repeatability
• Power handling of 50 W peak
• Terminated
• Long operating life
Figure above shows the test setup for 2-port measurements on a multiport device;
additional EM switches may be required for a complete measurement setup .
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 9
Choose your switch by: Switch Technology
Typical Application of Solid State (SS) Switch
• Used in both basic signal routing and application specific switch matrices
• tree matrices
• full access matrices
• multisource DUT switching in ATE systems
Application requirements
• Fast settling time
• Low video leakage
Application requirements
• Fast switching speed
• Fast settling time
• Compatible logic
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 10
Why choose Keysight EM switches?
•Long Operating Life (up to 10 million cycles typ) means minimal
downtime and value for cost of ownership, lower cost per million cycle
•0.03 dB insertion loss repeatability* to minimize measurement
uncertainty and reduce downtime for system re-calibration
•Exceptional isolation of > 100 dB @ 12 GHz minimize cross talk and
maximizes measurement accuracy
*up to 40GHz
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 11
Conventional EM Switches – Flat Contact
Push
Rod
RF Line open
Flat
Surface
Inflexible
tip
Jumper
Contact
Center
Conductor
Contact
Pressure
Jumper
Contact
Flat
Surface
Debris
Is stuck
Center
Conductor
Inflexible
tip
Center
Conductor
Conventional Electromechanical switch mating
configuration
Particle buildup remains trapped
between jumper contact and
center conductor
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 12
Keysight EM Switches – Wiping Action
Contact
Pressure
Jumper
Contact
motion
Curved
Surface
Center
Conductor
Jumper
Contact
Electromechanical
switch mating
configuration,
illustrating
microscopic
wiping.
For more info, refer to Keysight literature
# 5989-6085EN
Pressure
from pushrod
Debris
Center
Conductor
Pressure
released from
pushrod
Debris is
being
pushed
away
Jumper
Contact
Jumper
Contact
A piece of small debris is stuck on
the surface of center conductor
Center
Conductor
Debris is being push away by wiping
process of the jumper contact
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 13
Values of Keysight solid state switches
•
Dramatically increase throughput with ultra fast switching speed of < 450 ns
(PIN Diode Solid State Switches)
•
Maintain fast throughput with industry-leading settling time for FET switches
of 350 us.
•
Prevent damage to sensitive components with low video leakage < 10 mVpp
(FET Solid State Switches)
•
Minimize crosstalk with exceptionally high isolation > 80 dB
•
Ultra broadband (from DC up to 50 GHz) to meet your equipment’s ever
growing demands
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 14
Characteristic of Solid State Switch: Video Leakage
Video Leakage
is spurious signals at the RF ports of the switch
when no RF signal is applied
Video leakage can damage sensitive devices
such as in high-speed RFIC manufacturing test
Keysight’s FET solid-state switches offer low video
leakage, typically <10 mVpp, this ensures the
device under test is SAFE!
Keysight FET switches have low
video leakage, typically < 10 mVpp
For more information:
Video Leakage Effects on Devices in Component Test 5989-6086EN
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 15
Agenda
1.
RF & microwave switches
a)
Introduction
b)
Important parameters
c)
Switch technology/type
d)
Why choose Keysight EM switches
2.
Keysight Switching Solution Platforms
3.
Typical application for Keysight new RF test accessories
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 16
Choose your switch by: Switch Driving Method
PXI
Power Supply
Driving Methods
USB
Switch Driver
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 17
Keysight Switching Solution Platforms
Products
Fully Integrated Custom
Switch Matrix
Large scale Switch
Platform
Value
Custom
Switch Matrix
RF
Switch
Platform
Switch
Platform
Medium scale switch
driver &
PXI platform
Bench-top switch
driver
Mixed Low
Frequency and
RF Switching
RF & uW Switch
Drivers
Fully integrated solution
that is optimized for a
specific application
Shorten the custom switch
matrix development time
Mixed signal system
for medium scale
switch matrix
Flexibility to
mount switches
in fixture
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 18
Keysight Switching Solution Platforms
Size
Complexity Flexibility Integration
Cost
Fully
Integrated
Custom
Switch Matrix
Large
Very High
Low
Fully
integrated
High
Large scale
Switch
Platform
Large
High
Medium
Self
integration
Medium
Medium scale
switch driver
&
PXI platform
Medium Medium
High
Self
integration
Medium
Bench-top
switch driver
Small
High
Self
integration
Low
Low
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 19
Agenda
1.
RF & microwave switches
a)
Introduction
b)
Important parameters
c)
Switch technology/type
d)
Why choose Keysight EM switches
2.
Keysight Switching Solution Platforms
3.
Typical application for Keysight new RF test accessories
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 20
Keysight DC - 40/50/67 GHz SPDT/Bypass Switches
High Frequency Microwave Switching Solution
N1810TL/UL – Terminated/Unterminated SPDT Switches
N1811TL/12UL – 4-Port/5-port Bypass Switches
Application Focus Specifications
• High reliability and exceptional 0.05 dB insertion loss repeatability, minimizing system uncertainty and
reducing downtime
• Long operating life of 5 million cycles reducing cost of ownership
• Excellent isolation of 70 dB at 67 GHz, maximizing measurement accuracy
• Low insertion loss of <1.12 dB at 67 GHz
• Low SWR of <1.90 at 67 GHz
Applications
• Radar and satellite testing
• Wireless-HDMI
• Microwave backhaul radios
More Information:
www.Keysight.com/find/switches
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 21
Typical Application
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 22
Keysight USB Coaxial Switch
New USB Coaxial Switch, SPDT, U1810B (DC to 18 GHz)
Features
• USB plug-and-play
• 0.03 dB IL repeatability
• 5 million cycles operating life (typ 10 million cycles)
• High power handling, 100 W @ 4 GHz for cold switching
• Bundled soft front panel provides a control to the switch
• Control of the switch through various software platform such as C, LabVIEW, VEE, etc
or alternative virtual interface.
Benefits
 Provide fast and flexible access
 Increase throughput
 Reduce down time and maintenance cost
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 23
Page 23
Typical Application
With Wireless Test Set
For mobile phone manufacturing test, it has
RF and non-RF testing. During non-RF
testing, test set is idle. With USB switch, it
helps to reduce the idle time of the test set
by switch to DUT 2 for testing, before it
switches back to DUT 1 to continue the test.
With Network Analyzer
Measure two DUTs with 1 connection either
in frequency (antenna) or time domain
(coaxial cable) application. Or switch
between DUT and reference unit for
calibration.
For more info, refer to Keysight application
note#: 5991-1596EN
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 24
Dual SP6T switch matrix
U1816A DC – 8 GHz
U1816C DC – 26.5 GHz
Features
•
•
•
•
Allows switching of multiple RF signals without physically changing the connections.
Controlled via USB for ease of control.
5 million cycles operating life (typical 10 million cycles)
SFP is provided for ease of control
Key Application
M8190A AWG
These switches are extremely
useful for applications in
communication, component
test and other test systems
that require multiple signal
routing, superior RF
performance and high
isolation to minimize crosstalk.
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 25
Typical Application
Case #2
• S11 & S21 mixed test
(e.g. Diversity antenna(s)
included Handset case)
• Or, multi-site 2-port DUTs
Case #1
6-pt DUT x2
(S11)
DUT
Station #1
Fixture
Operator
#1
• 1 or 2 DUTS
• Available for 1 to 6-port DUT
• Can use USB foot switch
2-port DUT
DUT
Station #2
Fixture
Operator
#2
Watch the video to learn more
http://youtu.be/urkyH5FrOXg
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 26
Switch Matrix with Scope for High Speed Digital
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 27
Challenge with Multi-Lane Interface Validation
with an Oscilloscope
Challenge:
Solution:
Oscilloscope
SMA Coaxial
Cables
Oscilloscope
SMA Coaxial
Cables
Switching
Network
Lane 1
Lane 2
Lane 3
Lane 4
Clock
4-Lane D-PHY DUT
Lane 1
Example of a 4-lane D-PHY interface. A pair of differential
data and clock signals can be connected to the oscilloscope
for validation at one time.
Manual changing of probe connection is required.
Lane 2
Lane 3
Lane 4
4-Lane D-PHY DUT
Switch between data lanes without
physically reconnecting the signals.
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 28
Clock
Page 28
Enabling Switch Matrix Feature in the
Compliance Application
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 29
Keysight PXI 26.5 / 50 GHz Switches and Attenuators
Complete 26.5 GHz Switching and Attenuation Solution
•
•
•
•
•
•
M9155C PXI SPDT 26.5 GHz Switch
M9156C PXI Transfer 26.5 GHz Switch
M9157C PXI SP6T 26.5 GHz Switch
M9168C PXI 26.5 GHz Step Attenuator
M9168E PXI 50 GHz Step Attenuator
M9170A PXI Switch/Attenuator Driver
Customer Benefits
 Readily scaled switches and attenuator in PXI hybrid modules
 New Keysight M9170A one-slot PXI attenuator/switch driver module provides flexible drive
control for the expansive portfolio of Keysight RF & microwave step attenuators and
electromechanical switches.
 Maximize the PXI chassis slot utilization, which ultimately improves testing efficiency
Keysight’s own
design and
production of
microwave switches
and attenuators.
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 30
Typical Application
Multi-DUT Solution at an Affordable Price
PXI VNA + PXI Switch
PXI VNA + PXI Switch
Case2:
2-pt DUT x2
(S11)
DUT
Fixture
Operator
#1
DUT
Fixture
Operator
#2
PXI VNA + PXI Switch
Case3:
6-pt DUT x2
(S11)
DUT
DUT
Fixture
Fixture
Operator
#1
Operator
• 1 or 2 DUTS
#2
• Available for multiple DUT
• Can use USB foot switch
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 31
Typical Application
Wideband MIMO PXI vector signal analyzer
• Easy one-time power
calibration; source stays at a
single power level
• Frees user from power level
non-linearity and accuracy
issues from source
• Obtain accurate and
calibrated low power levels
easily
For more info, refer to Keysight application note#: 5991-1018EN
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 32
Keysight PXI 26.5 GHz Switches and Attenuator
M9170A vs M9155/6/7C & M9168C/E
– Standard Solution
Custom Solution
– A readily scaled integrated Scalable configuration and easy operation…
solution…
Alternative to drive Keysight's broad portfolio of
standalone switches and attenuators, up to 67 GHz
Cost saving
Min Chassis slot
– M9155/6/7C DC-26.5 GHz PXI
SPDT/ Transfer/ SP6T Switches
M9170A PXI Attenuator/Switch Driver
– M9168C/E DC-26.5/50 GHz PXI
Programmable Step Attenuator
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 33
Keysight Low PIM Coaxial Switches
SPDT DC – 4/20/26 . 5 GHz
DPDT DC – 4/20/26 .5 GHz
SP4T /6T DC – 4/20/2 6. 5 G Hz
Product Description
Expansion of our current High Performance Electro-mechanical switches (N181x, 87222,
87104/6) with ultra low PIM (Passive Inter-Modulation) specification. Designed to combine
unmatched configuration flexibility with best-in-class repeatability, long life cycles and reliability.
Features
•
•
•
•
Low PIM performance of -160 dBc
0.03 dB insertion loss repeatability*
3 million cycles per section of operating life
Excellent isolation minimizes cross-talk between channels to ensure signal integrity
Key Application
• LTE Basestation design and manufacturing test that needs ultra low PIM.
• Passive Intermodulation (PIM) becomes a concern in applications where two or more
transmitted signals share a common antenna or whenever the transmitter signal is too high or
the receiver is sensitive to high intermodulation.
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 34
Typical Application
PIM Tester
Low PIM Switch
Low PIM Switch
DUT
DUT
Test multiple DUTs with single
connection
Perform 2 tests (S-parameter test
& PIM measurement) with single
connection
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 35
Switches Information Sources
To learn more . . .
Internet:
• Keysight RF & MW Switches page: www.keysight.com/find/switches
• Keysight Switch Drivers page: www.keysight.com/find/switchdrivers
• Keysight USB Switch page: www.keysight.com/find/USBswitch
• Keysight Low PIM Switch page: www.keysight.com/find/lowpim
• Keysight RF and Microwave Switch Selection Guide:
http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5989-6031EN.pdf
• Keysight Technologies Bench and System Switching Products:
http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5989-9872EN.pdf
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 36
Thank you!!
© Keysight
Technologies 2015
Page 37